Suspect arraigned in sexual assault

Thursday

May 15, 2014 at 9:00 AMMay 15, 2014 at 9:00 AM

By Matt DurrTwitter: @mdurrHDN

HILLSDALE — A suspect has been arrested and arraigned in connection with a sexual assault that occurred in Wheatland Township lat month. C Jay Strausbaugh, 45, of Camden appeared via video conferencing from the Hillsdale County Jail for arraignment on four charges in Hillsdale County District Court.Most serious among the charges was one count of first degree criminal sexual conduct, a felony that carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. He was also charged with one count each of felony firearms, first degree home invasion and armed robbery. The armed robbery charge also carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.During the arraignment, Hillsdale County Prosecutor Neal Brady addressed the court on the issue of bond, saying there was precedent to not grant bond in cases such as this."What I would request your honor, is that no bond be set," Brady said. "For the safety of the people of Hillsdale County, Mr. Strausbaugh needs to remain behind bars."Brady went on to say that Strausbaugh has little tying him down the county and Brady was worried about Strausbaugh's willingness to stay around the county should he be granted bond."I realize that I don't have a lot of ties to Hillsdale County per se," Strausbaugh said. "But I have a professional history here, I own a home here."Sanderson considered both requests and eventually determined that no bond would be set, but that the matter could be addressed again during a preliminary examination.Although he was formally charged with the crimes, a preliminary examination is required to be held on the case to determine whether or not there is enough evidence to bind the case over to circuit court. That exam has been set for May 20 at 3 p.m., however Brady said the prosecution would like more time to gather even more evidence than it already has and to have the victim come in and look at a lineup to determine if she recognizes the suspect.Strausbaugh asked for the date to remain the same as he felt the examination will show he is not guilty of the crimes he has been charged with. He also said the longer he waits until the exam, the longer he goes without a chance to post bond.Sanderson asked if Strausbaugh felt his lawyer would be able to gather enough information in six days for the exam, but Strausbaugh was unable to say if he thought that was possible or not. Sanderson elected to keep the exam set for May 20, but also said either side can follow procedures to request an extension.By law the examination must occur within 14 days of the arrest, so the furthest the exam could be pushed back to is May 28.Thus far Brady said Strausbaugh has been unwilling to talk, but has maintained his innocence. Strausbaugh said during the arraignment that he will be hiring his own attorney for the case, but did not say who that would be yet. He was schedule to meet with his lawyer Wednesday afternoon.According to a press release issued Tuesday by the Hillsdale County Sheriff's Department, a search of Strausbaugh's home was conducted at roughly 6:30 a.m. Tuesday as part of a criminal investigation into a sexual assault. During the search, the department conferred with Hillsdale County Assistant Prosecutor Rod Hassinger and the decision to take Strausbaugh into custody was made.The arrest comes nearly a month after the Sheriff's Department began investigating the assault and working its way through tips on potential suspects.On April 21, police were called to the scene of a sexual assault in which the victim reported the crime occurred at roughly 11:30 a.m. at a residence on Hoxie Road. The victim said the man forced his way into her home after he came to her door to inquire about a jet ski. When she opened the door, the man displayed a handgun and assaulted her before leaving.Sheriff Stanley Burchardt said he strongly believes that the man in custody is also the same man wanted in connection with an incident in Williams County Ohio last week.According to reports in Williams County, a 26-year-old woman said that a man came to her home numerous times asking questions about buying land and when her husband would be home to talk about it. The woman eventually slammed the door in the man's face, locked herself inside and called her mother-in-law who lives down the road.When the mother-in-law arrived, she tried to block the man in, but he fled, leading to a high-speed chase which brought them into Hillsdale County. The woman then lost track of the suspect's car.Burchardt went on to say the department has received many tips that helped lead the department to the home and ultimately to an arrest.

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